Fergie: United & City will slip

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is calm over the possibility of dropping points because he believes Manchester City will also slip up.

Last Updated: 21/02/13 at 15:53 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Next Permanent Man Utd Manager Win Specials: David Moyes 1/50

Sir Alex Ferguson: Staying calm ahead of run-in

Sir Alex Ferguson: Staying calm ahead of run-in

As they attempt to close a 12-point gap that could have widened to 15 before they face Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, City have been keen to talk up the potential for Manchester United to drop points over the final 12 games.

Their hope is sustained by the knowledge United blew an eight-point advantage in the space of just six matches last term and Roberto Mancini is confident it may happen again.

But Ferguson is not getting drawn in.

Whilst he accepts the certainty his own side will make the odd stumble as they head towards the finishing line, he is equally steadfast in his belief City will falter too.

"They are going on about us dropping points - but I would say the same thing to be honest," said Ferguson.

"The fact of the matter is they will drop points too. It is unavoidable.

"Teams drop points. It is a tough league. It is not easy winning all your games.

"At the moment we have a good momentum. The only thing we can do is try to win our next match and see where it takes us."

Yet there is already half an eye turning towards that crucial Champions League second-leg encounter with Real Madrid, for which Ferguson has confirmed Phil Jones has only an "outside chance" of being fit for after he injured an ankle in Monday's FA Cup win over Reading.

Jones suffered the problem in a crunching tackle with Jobi McAnuff, the execution of which has been criticised by Bryan Robson, amongst others.

It is not the first time Jones' technique has been questioned.

However, as Ferguson sees elements of Robson's own play in Jones' game, he sees little point trying to change the approach.

"He tackled awkwardly," said Ferguson.

"It is the tackle of a young man. He was going in too bravely. He was unbalanced and ended up with a sore one.

"But you can't measure a person by a tackle.

"He has the courage and willingness to tackle. Bryan Robson was exactly the same.

"Bryan couldn't see danger and neither can Phil.

"That is a lot to do with the courage they have. You are not going to take that out of them. I wouldn't even attempt that."

Nevertheless, Jones is now a major doubt for that return meeting with Madrid, having done so much to subdue Cristiano Ronaldo in particular during last Wednesday's encounter at the Bernabeu.

"He did an incredible job against Real Madrid," said Ferguson.

"The great thing Phil has got is that he doesn't care who he is playing against.

"There is no fear about playing against anyone.

"We will have to wait and see. It is two weeks away and a lot can happen in that time.

"He has an outside chance, but no more than that."

Jones will certainly miss the QPR encounter and Wayne Rooney is also likely to be absent after sitting out the Reading victory with a sinus problem.

United won the league when rvp signed actually,no nods needed!
- gunn

Bet with SkyBet  Next Permanent Man Utd Manager Win Specials: David Moyes 1/50

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m curious as to what image Real Madrid are trying to re-establish as I always thought their pre-Jose image was one of a bunch of a classless bullies tapping up whoever they wanted while living it large on borrowed money they're never going to pay back.

john matrix
Perez Will Spend Big To Forget Jose...

A

t the start of the season, after the RVP transfer, I confidently claimed that Arsenal would finish above United. I now regret it immensely.

Fuzzy_Dunlop
Reflecting On The F365 Pre-Season Predictions

D

aniel Storey generally did very well, going against the City won it last year so they're bound to win it this time grain. As for John Nicholson, I wouldn't trust him to predict correctly what day of the week it will be tomorrow.

Griff
Reflecting On The F365 Pre-Season Predictions

Footer 365

Manchester City fight back from three goals down to beat Chelsea 4-3

Manchester City fought back from 3-0 down to beat Chelsea 4-3 in a thrilling friendly at Busch Stadium in St Louis.

Begovic hints at Liverpool move

Asmir Begovic has hinted he will be joining Liverpool after the Stoke goalkeeper was quoted saying he was preparing for pre-season at Melwood.

Nzonzi submits transfer request

Stoke midfielder Steven Nzonzi has handed in a transfer request just two days after manager Tony Pulis left the club.

Mail Box

More Scared Of Losing AVB Than Bale...

We thought we would have to resort to another mailbox about maths but we've had some grand opinions about Man United, Newcastle, Tottenham and more. Oh and maths...

An Ode To Rafa And Loads More Mails...

We have one Chelsea fan who recognises the job done by Rafa Benitez while there's maths from Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester. And Shawcross to Arsenal? Nah...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved